Mirpur Radda clinic vandalism: Police negligence found in probe
However, investigators declined to provide details about which politically affiliated leaders may have been involved in the incident.
An investigation into the attack, vandalism and looting at Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur has found evidence of negligence by police personnel who were on duty during the incident, with the report submitted to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner's office.
Mirpur Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Hasan Mohammad Nasher Rikabdar confirmed the submission to The Business Standard today (27 September).
The committee found evidence that police failed to take effective measures to control the situation, with looting reportedly continuing even in the presence of law enforcement officers, according to investigating sources.
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The investigation also identified individuals allegedly directly involved in the attack and looting. Police have so far arrested at least 10 people and recovered some of the looted items, the sources said.
However, investigators declined to provide details about which politically affiliated leaders may have been involved in the incident.
"The roles of those whose involvement has emerged are being further verified. Necessary action will be taken after the investigation. Those against whom specific evidence is found will be made accused in the cases," said DC Hasan Mohammad Nasher Rikabdar.
The investigation followed questions raised about the police response to the incident on 25 September.
DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed visited the scene shortly afterwards and ordered an inquiry on 26 September.
A three-member committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Darus Salam Zone was formed and directed to submit its report by Saturday.
Earlier, Shah Ali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jahangir Alam was withdrawn from his post on 26 September and attached to the Central Reserve Office at DMP headquarters, citing "administrative reasons," according to an office order signed by the DMP commissioner.
Police have also launched drives to identify those involved.
At least 10 people have been arrested and looted goods recovered from them, according to police sources.
The investigation has not yet formally established any individual's political involvement, with investigators saying legal action would be based on specific evidence rather than political identity.
According to Radda authorities, attackers vandalised several rooms of the health centre, looted valuable equipment and damaged the building using heavy machinery. Items allegedly taken include an ultrasonogram machine, a generator, computers, printers, refrigerators, air conditioners, medicines and vaccination supplies, with damages estimated at more than Tk1.5 crore.
Radda Executive Director Dr Nasrin Akhtar filed a case with Shah Ali Police Station on 26 September against Mirpur BNP leader Hanif Mia and 200–250 unidentified individuals, accusing them of trespassing, theft and issuing threats.
The clinic has been providing primary healthcare, EPI vaccination and family planning services to poor and underprivileged communities in the area since 1976.
